Grafting tape and parafilm are the humble supplies that make or break a graft — they hold the union firmly together and stop it drying out while it heals. Getting the right ones (and using them well) noticeably improves your take rate. Here’s what to choose and why.
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Grafting / budding tape
Stretchy grafting tape binds the scion and rootstock tightly so the cambium layers stay in firm contact under tension. Good tapes are elastic (they move as the graft swells) and many are designed to degrade or be easily removed so they don’t girdle the stem. Budding tape is a thinner version for bud grafts.
Parafilm (grafting film)
Parafilm is a self-sealing stretch film wrapped over the union and scion to lock in moisture while still letting buds push through it — a big help for beginners because it dramatically reduces “dried-out graft” failures. It’s often used with grafting tape: tape for strength, parafilm to seal.
How to choose
- Get both — stretchy grafting tape plus parafilm covers most grafts.
- Elasticity — a tape that stretches and grips holds the union without cutting in.
- Self-degrading vs remove-later — degradable is convenient; just check it doesn’t girdle vigorous growth.
- Width — narrower for buds, wider for larger unions.
Grafting & budding tape
Parafilm grafting film
Using it well
Bind from below the union upward, overlapping to seal out water, keep firm contact, then wrap the scion in parafilm to prevent drying. Loosen or remove binding once the graft is clearly growing so it doesn’t constrict. Full method in plant grafting“>plant grafting and fruit tree grafting“>fruit tree grafting.
Quick questions
Is parafilm or grafting tape better? They do different jobs — grafting tape provides strength and firm contact, parafilm seals against drying. Most grafters use both.
Related guides
- Grafting tools & supplies“>Grafting tools & supplies · grafting guide“>grafting guide · fruit tree grafting“>fruit tree grafting